I was reading some stuff about the 4x4 on trucks these trucks cause I have never really known how to lock in the 4x4. My question is how to properly use 4x4? I have always stopped got out and changed the switch on the front hubs from "free to lock" then put it in neutral and pulled the gear **** back to 4L. I read somewhere that the "lock" on the front hubs is only if the shifter is not working. Is that true? Or do I have to Lock them? Also, what is the procedure to dis-engage 4x4 after i am done using it?
Thanks

 

You are doing it correctly. The lever shifts the transfer case so power is directed to the front axle, and the hubs connect the wheels to the axle shafts. You have do both to get into 4wd. I usually put mine into park to shift into or out of lo range, you can shift into 4hi at any speed once the front hubs are locked.

 

Some Super Duty trucks had a hub that was auto or manual, like in the picture below. However, I don't know what years/models came with them. This may be where the confusion is coming from.

 

So do I always have to leave the front hubs to free or can I leave them in the lock position

 

You can leave them locked, but that will increase wear in the front axle, and hurt fuel mileage. With the hubs locked, the front axle will be driven by the wheels, even with the transfer case in 2H. The whole point of part-time 4x4 is to allow the front axle & driveshaft to be disconnected when not needed.

 

+1 The guy I bought my 97 from always left the hubs locked and wondered why we was getting poor milage. Now, if you find yourself making a trip where you know you will encounter washed out road or creek crossings on the way where you may want 4wd, in that case you might as well just lock the hubs so you aren't getting out to do it all the time.